Dying mum refused permission to take son out of school for last family holiday

By Larissa Waterson| 4 months ago

Angela Rose, 36, who has terminal cancer, wrote to her eight-year-old son Carlo's school and asked that he be granted time off, explaining she may only have months to live.

Not deemed an ‘exceptional circumstance’

A terminally-ill UK mother was shocked when her son’s school refused to let him have a day off so the family could spend one last holiday together before she passes away.

Angela Rose, 36, who has terminal cancer, wrote to her eight-year-old son Carlo's school and asked that he be granted the time off, explaining she may only have months to live.

In a post to her Facebook page, that has since gone viral, Angela said, “I had to fill in a form to give the reasons I wanted to take my son out of school during term time. I clearly stated that I had terminal cancer and this could be our last holiday together."

However, school authorities refused her request saying leave could only be granted to students in "exceptional circumstances".

Angela, a mother of three, was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 months ago. Weeks from her diagnosis, the cancer had spread to her bones and brain and doctors told her the tragic news that she had between one and two years left to live.

She was shocked at the school’s response.

"If a dying 36-year-old mum wanting to take her boy on holiday for one last time isn't an exceptional case then I dread to think what is," she said.

After being contacted by the local council, Stanton Middle School in Buckinghamshire has since apologised and granted Carlo, who has a 98 per cent attendance record, leave.

"Although we knew she had health issues we did not realise the full extent of them. We should have checked further - we didn't, and we're very sorry,” a spokesperson for the school said.

"In the light of this we will of course grant this leave of absence, outside of normal school holiday time."

(Facebook)

However, Angela is still furious.

"I just don't see how they could have made a mistake,” she said.

The UK mum would have been slapped with a fine if the school hadn’t changed its mind.

If a student is taken out of school without permission from authorities, parents can be fined £60 ($105 AUD). That amount rises to £120 ($210) if paid 29 to 42 days after the fine is issued.

(Facebook)

Angela, who also has 13-year-old son and a daughter aged 18, tried to book an eight berth caravan at Haven in Great Yarmouth for a week in August - with extra space to accommodate friends who care for her now that she is unable to walk.

"In August it cost £1,000 ($1,758), which I haven't got,” she said.

“So I booked the week from September 14, when it was £400 ($700) - all I could afford.

"Carlo has 98 per cent attendance, but this would have gone down as unauthorised absence. I was terrified I would be fined by the school.”